Associate Book Conservator (38441)

Walters Art Museum•Baltimore, MD

3d•$77,813 - $77,813•Onsite

About The Position

The Walters Art Museum is seeking an Associate Book Conservator responsible for the preservation and conservation of its collections of manuscripts, rare books, and works of art on paper. This role involves working collaboratively within the Department of Conservation, Collections, and Technical Research to support exhibitions, installations, rotations, programs, and other projects. The Associate Book Conservator will report to the Managing Head of Conservation and Technical Research.

Requirements

MA or MS in art conservation with a specialization in book conservation.
Minimum of five years working in a museum or library setting, inclusive of full-year graduate level internship.
Demonstrated experience with structural treatment of bound volumes, preferably manuscripts and rare books.
Comprehensive knowledge of treatment methods, materials, preventive conservation principles, and methodology.
Knowledge of art history and history of the book relevant to specialty.
Knowledge of ethical and practical professional standards.
Familiarity with analytical techniques, uses, and limitations.
Excellent conservation planning, documentation, decision-making, and manual skills for structural and aesthetic treatment.
Demonstrated experience with technical studies materials research as applied to area of specialty.
Good research, teaching, administrative, oral and written communication skills.
Skills in research and analytical techniques and interpretation appropriate to specialty.
Proficient in Microsoft Word and Google platforms preferred.
Must have flexibility to work weekends and evenings and to travel as necessary.
Must have flexibility to work periodic Saturdays to work in the Conservation Window.
All employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
The museum does not sponsor work visas.

Responsibilities

Prepares, examines, treats, and documents the museum’s manuscripts, rare books, and works of art on paper collections for exhibition, loan, and acquisition.
Conducts condition surveys of the collection to establish treatment priorities; carries out emergency treatment on works that are actively deteriorating.
Works with the museum’s Conservation Scientist to perform technical studies and analysis on works in the collections to determine materials, methods of manufacture, and authenticity.
Determines causes of deterioration and develops appropriate treatment methodologies.
Participates in preventive conservation, including evaluating and making recommendations for display, storage and transport, and rehousing.
Evaluates, obtains, and maintains equipment and materials needed to carry out conservation treatment and preventive maintenance to professionally accepted standards.
Assists in writing grant proposals and oversees grant projects to address priority preservation needs.
Works in collaboration with Digital Production and Publication team to support ongoing digitization of the Walters’ book collection.
Coordinates work of contractors in support of book and paper-based materials in preparation for exhibition and loan.
Assists in mentoring fellows, interns, and volunteers entering the conservation profession.
Contributes to the professional conservation field through lectures, publications, and teaching.
Works in the Conservation Window, our public-facing space for engagement.
Acts as a courier for the Walters collection during transit.
All other duties as assigned.